Applying For Social Housing

We aim to process initial applications within seven weeks once all required information has been provided.

At present, due to a very high number of applications, the total time from submission to your application becoming “live” is approximately 12 weeks. We assess applications strictly in date order to ensure fairness. Applications will only be prioritised where there is clear evidence that the situation is critical.

Please avoid contacting us repeatedly for updates unless the matter is urgent, as this increases workload and may delay assessments.

Allow two weeks for responses to enquiries and 7–12 weeks for full assessment.

There is no guaranteed waiting time. Your chances of receiving an offer depend on:

Kent Homechoice provides general information on demand levels and past bidding outcomes, which can help you understand likely waiting times.

If you are homeless or threatened with homelessness, the council may owe you a duty under:

• s195(2) Prevention Duty
• s189B(2) Relief Duty
• s193(2) Main Housing Duty

If one of these duties applies, you will be placed in Band H – Homeless and may receive a direct offer of suitable accommodation.

Demand for social housing in Ashford is high, while supply is limited. Properties are allocated based on:

• Priority banding
• Local connection
• Level of housing need
• Quotas to ensure fairness across the register

As a result, waiting times can be lengthy, particularly for certain property types.

Your banding is based solely on your assessed housing need. It cannot be changed by request.

You may move to a higher band if your circumstances change, for example:

• You become homeless (Band H)
• You develop an urgent or significant housing or medical need
• Your overcrowding or hardship increases

You must notify us of any change in circumstances. If your priority increases, you will receive a new priority date.

We are unable to provide your specific rank on a shortlist, as responding to these enquiries reduces the time available for assessments and allocations.

Please refer to the feedback provided on Kent Homechoice, which shows property level demand information.

Kent Homechoice sends broad property alerts, but you can only bid on homes you are eligible for. Some adverts include:

• Age restrictions
• Adaptations
• Local lettings policies
• Parish connection criteria

If a property does not meet your needs, simply do not bid.

Bidding is open for five days. Applicants may place bids at any time during this period.

When bidding closes:

• The shortlist may be filtered to show only applicants who meet the advert criteria.
• Your position may move, or you may be marked “not prioritised.”

Please check the advert details and icons before contacting us, as they often explain the reason.

Your bid may be bypassed if:

• The property has adaptations needed by another applicant
• You do not meet specialist criteria
• The property would not be suitable due to risk or affordability
• A local lettings plan applies

Every decision is reviewed carefully by an Allocations Officer. Reasons can be provided upon request.

You should consider all available housing options, which may include:

• Private rented accommodation
• Low‑cost home ownership
• Mobility schemes
• Home adaptations
• Safety and security measures
• Support to help you remain in your home

Our staff can provide guidance based on your circumstances.

This depends on whether you are owed a homelessness duty.

If you are not owed a duty:

• You may receive up to three offers.
• After three refusals, your priority band date will be reset.

If you are owed a homelessness duty:

• You will receive one offer of suitable accommodation.
• Refusing it may end the council’s duty to assist you.

If your property is suitable in size and type for your needs, we may be unable to consider the disrepair when assessing your housing need.

If you rent from a private landlord or housing association and your property has outstanding repair issues you should contact your landlord in the first instance to request that they make the defects good.

If they are not responding to your request appropriately, you may wish to contact a Private Sector Officer here on 01233 3311111 for advice.

Please be aware that damp and mould are common in properties where there is a high level of overcrowding (and this can even be the sole cause) and so you should take every effort to ensure that your property is heated and ventilated appropriately. You should also try to wipe away condensation from surfaces and keep possessions to a minimum where possible to allow effective air circulation.

If you rent from Ashford Borough Council, you should contact the Repairs Team on 01233 33111 to request an inspection of your property. The officer will then schedule any works that need to be undertaken if the disrepair is a result of a structural issue.

You may qualify for a housing need if your home has Category 1 hazards that:

• Endanger health and safety
• Cannot be resolved within six months

(Sections 6.2.6 & 7.5.3)

Where hazards are imminent and severe, Band A may apply.

Support is available for applicants who struggle to access the online system due to:

• Digital exclusion
• Disability
• Language or literacy barriers

We can assist by:

• Helping you access the website
• Placing bids on your behalf
• Setting up auto‑bidding where appropriate

Flood risk varies across the UK, and although Ashford is generally low risk, applicants are encouraged to check long term flood risk so they can make informed decisions and consider appropriate insurance.

The link is provided to help you assess this independently.

Auto‑bidding may be enabled if:

• You have requested it, or
• You are unable to use the system due to disability or other barriers

Applicants owed homelessness duties may also receive automatic bids placed by the council.

Extra Care Housing is a form of supported housing for people who need additional care. Eligibility depends on:

• Your assessed support needs
• Meeting any age requirements
• The restrictions or criteria set out for the specific scheme

These homes are advertised on Kent Homechoice with full eligibility details.